At 12 year old, Sarah Ann Buday’s life made a huge turn when her younger sister was born with Down syndrome, AVSD (a heart defect), and other complex medical needs. Having grown up with three younger brothers, Sarah Ann had always wanted a sister. When her baby sister arrived home after a long time in the hospital, she says she saw firsthand how much “strength, patience, and love it takes to make your way in a world that isn’t always built for everyone.” She realized “how important it is to speak up for those who weren’t always heard.” So, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Now, at 16 years of age, Sarah Ann is an active advocate for young carers and disability inclusion here in Ireland.
The beginning of a new chapter
With the arrival of her mother and baby sister from the hospital a few months after her sister’s birth, Sarah Ann was left to take care of her brothers and help at home while her father looked after her sister and mother’s needs. She took the first steps of her advocacy when she joined a local support group for young carers at 12 years old. A year later, she was nominated Young Carer of the Year by the Association for Young Carers Ireland, and later spoke at Child Talks 2024, an annual event held on World Children’s Day for children and young people to speak up for what they believed needed more attention in society. “Everyone needs to be aware of young carers in our societies. We face unique challenges balancing our care-giving responsibilities with our lives and education,” she says in her speech; “Since my sister can’t speak for herself, I’m going to speak for her.” She says that this opportunity to open up to the public kick-started her advocacy.
Later that year, Sarah Ann was chosen as one of 60 delegates for a two and a half year term in the National Youth Assembly of Ireland, where she currently works to improve inclusiveness in society.
Finding a balance
Since Sarah Ann had many responsibilities in taking care of her sister and three younger brothers, she says that she found it quite hard to balance chores, school, and a social life. Even though this was a huge sacrifice in her personal life, she knew it was for the right cause. Not long after beginning to take care of her sister, Sarah Ann began to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of it all. The thought that nothing would ever be the same dawned on her, and she felt like she was the only person experiencing it. That’s when she joined the support group. School, work as an advocate, and family life had her with a plate full of responsibilities, and the support group served as a great, well, support!
Past accomplishments, future goals
In April of 2025, she brought a motion into the Dáil (a part of the legislative government in Ireland) to make young carers more visible and to strengthen disability services. “[It is] something that I believe should be put first in an advanced society like ours,” she says, speaking of the motion. She published a chapter in “Different Like Us” by Margaret Rooke, a book with a compilation of stories from kids all around the world sharing their experiences with disabilities. Sarah Ann won the Social Inclusion Award in the Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2025, an annual ceremony in Co. Galway recognizing and celebrating volunteers around the county. She is currently part of the Young People’s Committee for 2025-2026 in the National Youth Council of Ireland. She is also the chairwoman for the Galway County Youth Council.
When asked what career she would like to pursue in the future, Sarah Ann replied, “I’d like to become a doctor—a neurosurgeon. And then I might go into politics after settling down.” In Ireland, our 10th grade (4th year or TY here) is an optional year for mostly work experience, depending on the school. As such, Sarah Ann was invited to do some work experience in a political party here, which only 40 people can get into.
Advice for advocates and those considering it
“I would say to keep going, and don’t worry. If you can change someone’s heart, even a little, that in itself is a huge accomplishment.” It won’t be easy, but it is well worth it—to lift up your voice for those who are ignored or unheard. It takes a lot of responsibility and love, but Sarah Ann relates that one person can make a huge difference. For those beginning an advocacy or considering it she says: “You need to start small, and don’t give up.”
Sarah shares her perspective in schools and community spaces, encouraging others to view disability not as a limitation, but as a full story of who we are. “For me, it’s about shifting mindsets, one honest conversation at a time.”
